20 Mainfreight Interview Questions and Answers

When it comes to interviews, preparation is key. And if you’re hoping to land a job at Mainfreight, one of the world’s leading logistics companies, you’ll need to be ready to answer some tough questions.

In this article, we’ll give you a rundown of some of the most common Mainfreight interview questions, so you can go into your interview with confidence. We’ll cover questions about your experience, your skills, and your knowledge of the logistics industry. With our help, you’ll be ready to impress your interviewer and land the job you’ve been dreaming of.

Mainfreight Interview Process

The interview process at Mainfreight can vary depending on the position you are applying for. For entry-level positions, the process may be longer and more drawn out, with extended periods of time between interviews. For management positions, the process may be shorter and include multiple rounds of interviews. Overall, the interview process is generally fast and simple, with most applicants being interviewed within a few weeks of applying.

1. What do you know about Mainfreight?

This question is a great way to show your knowledge of the company and its values. You can answer this question by describing what you know about Mainfreight, including any information that shows how much you’ve researched the company.

Example: “I know that Mainfreight is one of New Zealand’s largest freight companies with over 100 locations in Australia and New Zealand. I also know that it has been operating for more than 50 years and that it offers customers a wide range of services, including warehousing, distribution and transport. Finally, I know that Mainfreight places a lot of emphasis on customer service.”

2. How would your past experience help with this position?

This question is a great way to show the interviewer that you are qualified for this position. When answering, it can be helpful to mention your past experience and how it relates to the job description.

Example: “My previous experience as a warehouse manager has helped me understand the importance of organization in the workplace. I have also learned how important communication is when working with a team. These skills will help me work well with my new coworkers at Mainfreight.”

3. Why should we hire you over all the other candidates?

This question is a great way to show your confidence and enthusiasm for the job. When answering this question, it can be helpful to highlight some of your most relevant skills or experiences that relate to the position you’re applying for.

Example: “I believe I am an excellent candidate for this role because of my extensive experience in logistics management. In my last position, I was responsible for managing a team of drivers who delivered packages across the state. My ability to manage employees and create effective systems helped me achieve high levels of efficiency and customer satisfaction.”

4. Are you able to work under pressure?

When answering this question, it can be helpful to mention a time when you had to work under pressure and how you overcame the challenge. This can help employers understand your ability to handle challenging situations in the workplace.

Example: “I have worked for Mainfreight for five years now, and I’ve learned that sometimes there are unexpected challenges that arise during shipping. For example, once I was delivering a shipment of furniture to a customer who needed it by a certain date. Unfortunately, the truck broke down on the way to the delivery location, which meant we would miss the deadline. However, I called the customer and explained what happened, and they were understanding. We then arranged for another driver to deliver the shipment later that day.”

5. Describe a time when you had to deal with an irate customer.

An interviewer may ask this question to assess your customer service skills. They want to know how you would handle a challenging situation and if you have the ability to diffuse it. In your answer, try to show that you can remain calm under pressure and use your communication skills to solve problems.

Example: “I once had a customer who was upset because they didn’t receive their package on time. I listened carefully to what they were saying and tried to understand why they were so frustrated. Then, I explained our shipping policy and apologized for any inconvenience. The customer seemed satisfied with my explanation and agreed to wait an extra week for delivery.”

6. How would you get business that is already being handled by another account champion?

This question is a great way to show your sales skills and how you can work with others. When answering this question, it’s important to be honest about the steps you would take to win over an account champion.

Example: “I would first ask my manager for permission to speak with the account champion. I would then schedule a meeting with them to learn more about their business and why they are currently using Mainfreight. After learning more about their needs, I would offer solutions that could help them grow their business while also saving money on shipping costs.”

7. Do you have any experience in logistics?

This question is a great way to show the interviewer that you have experience in their industry. If you do, be sure to explain your previous job duties and how they relate to the position you’re interviewing for. If you don’t have any logistics experience, you can talk about other relevant work experiences.

Example: “I worked as a delivery driver for two years at my last job. I delivered packages all over town, which required me to use GPS technology to find addresses and deliver on time. This experience has given me valuable insight into the importance of using technology to streamline operations.”

8. How would you describe yourself as a leader?

This question can help the interviewer get to know you as a person and how you might fit into their company culture. When answering, it can be helpful to think about what your previous managers have said about you or what skills you’ve developed that make you a good leader.

Example: “I would describe myself as someone who is always looking for ways to improve processes and increase efficiency. I am also very empathetic and try to understand everyone’s perspective before making decisions. These two qualities are why my last manager promoted me from team lead to operations manager.”

9. What is your familiarity with shipping software and 3PL services?

The interviewer may ask you this question to assess your experience with shipping software and 3PL services. If you have previous experience using these tools, explain how they helped you complete your job duties. If you don’t have any experience with shipping software or 3PL services, discuss the importance of these systems in a logistics company like Mainfreight.

Example: “I’ve used several shipping software programs during my career, including Freightos, Shipwire and CargoWise. I find that these programs are helpful for managing shipments and communicating with customers about their orders. They also help me track important information about each shipment, such as its location and delivery date.”

10. How does your experience make you stand out from other applicants for this position?

Employers ask this question to learn more about your qualifications and how they relate to the job. Use your answer to highlight any unique skills, knowledge or experience you have that makes you a good fit for the role.

Example: “I’ve worked in logistics for over 10 years now, so I understand the importance of efficiency and accuracy when it comes to shipping goods. In my last position, I helped implement new software that streamlined our shipping process and reduced errors by 50%. This is an important skill because Mainfreight has recently implemented similar software, which means I can help train other employees on using it.”

11. If you were given a project without clear direction, how would you handle it?

This question is a great way to assess your problem-solving skills and ability to work independently. When answering this question, it can be helpful to describe the steps you would take to complete the project successfully.

Example: “If I were given a project without clear direction, I would first ask my manager for more information about the project. If they didn’t have any additional information, I would research similar projects that other employees had completed in the past. Then, I would create a plan of action based on what I learned from researching previous projects and talking with my manager.”

12. Can you tell me about a time where you had to be on top of things 24/7?

This question is a great way to learn more about your potential employer’s expectations. It can also help you determine if the job will be a good fit for you. When answering this question, it can be helpful to mention how you handled the situation and what you learned from it.

Example: “I had a previous position where I was on call 24/7. This meant that I could get calls at any time of day or night. While this was challenging at times, I found ways to make it work. For example, I would set my phone to silent mode during certain hours so I could get some sleep. I also made sure to have someone else cover for me when I needed to take care of personal matters.”

13. What are some of your long term career goals?

This question can help the interviewer get a sense of your career aspirations and how they align with Mainfreight’s goals. When answering this question, it can be helpful to mention any skills you’d like to develop or experiences you’d like to have in the future.

Example: “I’m hoping to one day become a logistics manager at a company like Mainfreight. I’ve been working toward that goal by taking classes on supply chain management and business administration. In my current role, I am able to apply some of those skills, but I think there is still room for improvement. I would love to work here long enough to gain more experience and eventually take on a managerial position.”

14. Have you ever worked for a global company before?

If you have experience working for a global company, the interviewer may ask you to describe your role and how it helped prepare you for this position. If you haven’t worked for a global company before, you can talk about what you would do if you were given international responsibilities.

Example: “I’ve never worked for a global company before, but I am excited to learn more about Mainfreight’s operations in other countries. I understand that there are many challenges associated with managing an international team, so I’m eager to develop my skills as a leader.”

15. Tell me about a large shipment that you managed.

This question is a great way to show your ability to work with large shipments and manage them effectively. When answering this question, it can be helpful to mention the size of the shipment, how you managed it and what challenges you faced during the process.

Example: “At my previous job, I was responsible for managing a shipment that weighed over 50 tons. The shipment had to go from California to New York City in one week. To do this, we hired two trucks to transport the shipment. One truck transported the shipment from California to Texas, where the second truck picked up the shipment and drove it to New York City. This allowed us to meet our deadline while also ensuring the safety of the shipment.”

16. What was your most recent sales goal? Did you meet or exceed that goal?

This question can help the interviewer get a sense of your sales experience and how you measure success. If you have never had a sales goal, explain what metrics you use to evaluate your performance.

Example: “My most recent sales goal was to increase my customer base by 10% in six months. I exceeded that goal by 15%, which helped me win an award for top salesperson at my previous company.”

17. Who was your most profitable client? And what did they look like?

This question is a great way to show your analytical skills and how you can use them to help the company. When answering this question, it’s important to be specific about what made that client profitable and why they were so successful.

Example: “My most profitable client was a small business owner who needed to ship his products from California to New York City. He had no idea where to start when it came to shipping, but I helped him find the best route for his budget and needs. We shipped his products via rail to a port in Long Beach, then by boat to New York City. The shipment arrived on time and he was very happy with my service.”

18. How many clients are you currently servicing?

This question is a great way to assess your customer service skills. It also shows the interviewer how you prioritize and manage multiple clients at once. When answering this question, make sure to mention which clients are most important to you and why.

Example: “I currently have five active clients that I am servicing. Two of my clients are very important to me because they are long-term relationships with companies that I respect and admire. One client is a startup company that has been growing rapidly over the last few years. The other client is a large corporation that I enjoy working with because it gives me an opportunity to learn from more experienced professionals.”

19. How well can you work with cold calling prospects?

Cold calling is a common practice in sales, and employers may ask this question to see if you have experience with it. If you do, they might want to know how well you can handle rejection. When answering this question, try to emphasize your ability to stay positive when talking to prospects who aren’t interested in what you’re selling.

Example: “I’ve done cold calls before, but I prefer warm leads. I find that the best way to get those is by making great first impressions on people over the phone. I’m always friendly and respectful of my prospects’ time, and I make sure to listen carefully so I can address their concerns as quickly as possible.”

20. How well do you perform under pressure?

When working in a fast-paced environment, you may encounter situations that require quick thinking and problem solving. Employers ask this question to make sure you can handle pressure well. In your answer, share an example of a time when you faced a challenge at work. Explain how you overcame the situation and what steps you took to solve it.

Example: “I thrive under pressure because I know that it’s often these moments that help me prove my skills as a candidate. At my last job, we had a shipment scheduled for delivery on a Friday afternoon. Unfortunately, our driver was involved in an accident that morning. We needed to find a replacement driver quickly or risk missing the deadline.

I called around to local trucking companies until I found one with availability. Then, I worked with the dispatcher to coordinate the new driver’s arrival. It was stressful, but I knew that if we didn’t get the shipment delivered by the end of the day, we would lose a client. Luckily, everything went smoothly and we were able to meet the deadline.”